Author: Money Mechanics

U.S. President Donald Trump at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on January 03, 2026, in Palm Beach, Florida.Joe Raedle | GettyPresident Donald Trump in a social media post Thursday evening indirectly revealed data from Friday’s market-moving nonfarm payrolls count, an apparent violation of long-standing federal policy on statistical releases.In a Truth Social post around 9 p.m., the president indicated that private sector payrolls had expanded by 654,000 for the full year of 2025, a total that would have included Friday’s jobs count for December. Office of Management and Budget policy prohibits executive branch officials from commenting on such…

Brands like Hisense, Samsung, and more have introduced truly cinema-sized TVs with new 98-, 115-inch size, and even 130-inch size classes. These gigantic TVs offer movie theater-quality experiences in the comfort of your own home, with object-tracking sound support, enhanced picture quality, and support for thousands of streaming apps. Many 98-inch TVs are also great for console gaming, with high refresh rates and VRR support to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.In our January update, we added testing insights for models that our TV experts were able to go hands-on with in our dedicated lab. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add…

Key Takeaways The end of enhanced ACA premium tax credits has increased premiums for many people whose incomes fall above the so-called “subsidy cliff.”Earning even $1 above 400% of the federal poverty level can eliminate the credit entirely. If you’re planning to buy or have already bought health insurance off the exchange this year, your premiums may have surged. And if you’re not careful, you could be on the hook for a huge tax bill next year. At the start of the year, enhanced premium tax credits, a type of subsidy for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums, expired. These temporary…

Key Takeaways Meta on Friday announced deals with a trio of nuclear energy companies to power its data centers.Vistra will provide energy from its current reactors, while startups Oklo and TerraPower will sell Meta power as they build reactors into the 2030s, the companies said. Several nuclear energy stocks surged Friday morning thanks to new agreements with a Big Tech giant. Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms (META) said Friday it’s reached agreements with nuclear energy provider Vistra Corp. (VST), along with startup Oklo (OKLO) and Bill Gates-backed TerraPower. The Vistra deal will provide power to Meta from its currently…

Key Takeaways The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December, below expectations and fewer than the 56,000 in November.The unemployment rate fell to 4.4% from 4.5%, below expectations for 4.5%.Overall, the report showed the job market staying in a low hiring, low firing limbo. The job market improved by one measure but stayed relatively slow in December.U.S. employers added 50,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate edged down to 4.4% from a downwardly-revised 4.5% in November, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday. The relatively slow job growth was slightly below the downwardly-revised 56,000 added in November, and was…

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that his administration plans to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, a step he says is intended to help lower home prices and expand opportunities for everyday buyers. In his January 7 post, Trump framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to restore the “American Dream” of homeownership.The announcement did not include details about how such a ban would be carried out, but Trump said he intends to “[call] on Congress to codify it” into law and would be taking steps “immediately.” The president said he plans to discuss…

(Image credit: Getty Images)With the Federal Reserve resuming rate cuts, many investors and advisers might be reassessing their short-term liquidity strategies.Thanks to their stable value, minimal duration and attractive yields, money market funds have become enormously popular in recent years, amassing a record high of $7.5 trillion in assets as of July, according to the SEC.But money market funds are just one option for managing short-term liquidity needs. Ultra-short and short-term bond ETFs are gaining traction among advisers; ultra-short ETFs are the fastest-growing fixed income ETF category over the past year. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become…

(Image credit: Getty Images)So 2026 is in full swing. And, boy, are we swinging. We’re finally going to eat better, exercise more, save more, spend less, and while we are at it, there has to be less expensive insurance out there.Insurance shopping is one of those adult tasks that sits in the same category as changing the furnace filter, replacing the battery in the smoke detector (by the way, do that) or putting into action all the information from those self-help books you’ve read.Insurance always tops the chart of places people think they can save money. I mean, we paid…

(Image credit: Getty Images)When people hear the phrase “estate planning,” they often think it’s something reserved for the extremely wealthy — high-net-worth individuals with multiple properties, complex portfolios or family businesses.But in my experience working with clients across West Michigan, estate planning is valuable for almost everyone, regardless of their net worth.Many of my clients have built their wealth over time through consistent saving, steady careers and practical financial decisions. While they might not consider themselves “wealthy,” their assets — a paid-off home, retirement accounts and life insurance — can easily add up to seven figures. From just $107.88 $24.99…

(Image credit: Getty Images)The start of a new year is a time to reset and focus on healthy habits, whether that means a new exercise routine or eating more healthily. It’s also an excellent time to check whether your finances are in a good place your financial health is in a good place.In particular, those nearing retirement need to understand their finances and the impact their decisions have on their financial future.But regardless of your age, a solid financial plan will help you navigate the different stages of life. It can help you budget to buy a house, start a…